Patents Issued in May 6, 2003
  • Patent number: 6558602
    Abstract: A mushroom-type hook strip for a hook-and-loop fastener has a flexible backing of thermoplastic resin and, integral with backing, an array of upstanding stems distributed across at least one face of the backing, each having a mushroom head. The stems have a molecular orientation as evidenced by a birefringence value of at least 0.001. The mushroom-type hook strip can be produced continuously by injecting resin into cavities of a cylindrical mold while evacuating and cooling the cavities so that the cooled resin becomes molecularly oriented, thus affording to the stems excellent stiffness, durability, and tensile and flexural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William L. Melbye, Susan K. Nestegard, Leigh E. Wood, Marvin D. Lindseth, Dale A. Bychinski
  • Patent number: 6558603
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing thermoplastic injection-molded parts reinforced with long fibers, includes a compounder having two meshing screws rotating in a same direction for continuously generating a stream of melt of thermoplastic material reinforced with long fibers. Melt is alternatingly conducted to at least two piston and cylinder units for injection into at least one cavity of an injection mold at a suitable pressure. Each of the piston and cylinder units includes a cylinder and a differential piston movably received in the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into a feed chamber and an injection chamber, wherein the piston has a relatively greater piston surface, adjacent the injection chamber, and a relatively smaller piston surface, adjacent the feed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Wobbe, Bernd Klotz, Jochen Zwiesele
  • Patent number: 6558604
    Abstract: A cast part, for example, for use as an internal coating of a vehicle. The cast part has a bearing layer, which is compressed and made of natural fibers bound together by a binding agent. A decorative layer is disposed on an upper surface of the bearing layer and on a lower surface of the bearing layer, a sealing layer, on which functional elements are molded in the form of fixing clips and reinforcing ribs is disposed. The case part is made according to a process consisting in compressing a natural fiber matting containing a binding agent into the bearing layer having either a plane surface or a contour and, in a second forming step, shaping the decorative material located in a upper half of a forming tool as well as a thermoplastic material applied to a lower half of the forming tool for forming the sealing layer and the functional element formed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Moeller Plast GmbH
    Inventor: Friedhelm Beckmann
  • Patent number: 6558605
    Abstract: Reinforced plastic pellets comprise thermoplastic material and reinforcement particles that are less than 15% of a total volume of the pellets, and at least 40% have a thickness of less than 50 nanometers. A manifold (56) has at least two spaced valve gates (64) that are independently opened and closed as directed by a controller (68) to selectively communicate the manifold to a cavity. A primary injection pressure is applied to the plasticized pellet material in the manifold (56) to fill the cavity through sequential opening and closing of the gates (64). A lower secondary injection pressure is applied to the material in the manifold to continue filling the cavity. The gates are closed to seal the manifold from the cavity when the cavity is filled. The material is held within the manifold in compression by the valves while the cavity is open to prevent expansion of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Magna International of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6558606
    Abstract: An improved stereolithographic process for forming three-dimensional objects using an improved support structure. The support structure is formed by using differential curing of the liquid media material to form solid supports with weak points at selected locations to facilitate support removal from a three-dimensional object and minimize post-processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajeev B. Kulkarni, Chris R. Manners
  • Patent number: 6558607
    Abstract: The invention provides micro- and nano-porous materials made from crosslinked polymers crystallized from supercritical fluids. The resulting products show an open cell porous network, and can be used for a variety of applications in medical fields, textiles, separation science and others. The invention also provides methods for obtaining such products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: H. Henning Winter, Griffin Gappert
  • Patent number: 6558608
    Abstract: A method of constructing large, unitary, fiber-reinforced Polymer composite containers using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The method allows for the construction of container systems with only two separately molded parts—an open box consisting of a base (i.e., floor), 2 sidewalls and 2 endwalls, and a cover (i.e., roof). The method results in a structure which maintains the continuity of the reinforcement fibers across the junction between the floor, side, and end walls corners. This method can be applied to very large composite structures such as railcar bodies, intermodal containers, and shelters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: TPI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rikard Karl Haraldsson, Andrew Paul Perrella
  • Patent number: 6558609
    Abstract: A blow molding machine capable of relatively high production rates at relatively low cost is provided. The blow molding machine comprises a base, a reciprocating shuttle mechanism supported by the base, a single blow molding station supported by the base, and adapted to receive a parison for forming the hollow article at the blow molding station, a pair of cooling stations supported by the base on flanking sides of the blow molding station, a pair of blow pin carriages spaced from one another, each of which is connected to the shuttle mechanism and is indexable to the blow molding station and to one of the cooling stations. Each blow pin carriage can comprise one or more blow pin assemblies that are movable independent of the shuttle mechanism between a rest position and a blow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Ann Arbor Machine Company
    Inventor: Brian M. Singleton
  • Patent number: 6558610
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for blow spinning continuous fibers. The novel process utilizes a tensioning device to preclude slack in the fiber. The present invention also provides novel fiber products which utilize continuous fibers prepared by a blow spinning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Conocophillips Company
    Inventors: John A. Rodgers, Daniel F. Rossillon, Roger A. Ross
  • Patent number: 6558611
    Abstract: A method for producing ceramic bodies, particularly ceramic foils, from a castable slip made of a dispersion of a ceramic powder in a solvent. A dispersion of an aqueous vinyl-acetate homopolymer or an aqueous vinyl-acetate/ethene copolymer being used as the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Firma Kerafol Keramische Folien GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Betz, Thomas Frey, Anette Haubenreich, Franz Koppe
  • Patent number: 6558612
    Abstract: A permanent, biocompatible material for soft tissue augmentation. The biocompatible material comprises a matrix of smooth, round, finely divided, substantially spherical particles of a biocompatible ceramic material, close to or in contact with each other, which provide a scaffold or lattice for autogenous, three dimensional, randomly oriented, non-scar soft tissue growth at the augmentation site. The augmentation material can be homogeneously suspended in a biocompatible, resorbable lubricious gel carrier comprising a polysaccharide. This serves to improve the delivery of the augmentation material by injection to the tissue site where augmentation is desired. The augmentation material is especially suitable for urethral sphincter augmentation, for treatment of incontinence, for filling soft tissue voids, for creating soft tissue blebs, for the treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis, and for mammary implants. It can be injected intradermally, subcutaneously or can be implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Bioform Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 6558613
    Abstract: The well known slip casting process for the production of ceramic green parts, in which hardening is achieved by water removal with porous molds, is characterized by disadvantages in terms of strength, shrinkage during drying and problems with cracking during drying. The present invention avoids these disadvantages and produces ceramic green parts by changing the surface potential of powder particles in the slip instead of by removing water. Further more the coagulation strength is increased by adding polymers or extremely fine divided colloidal particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: CeramTec AG Innovative Ceramic Engineering
    Inventors: Ludwig J. Gauckler, Thomas Graule
  • Patent number: 6558614
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metal melt in a metallurgical vessel, in particular an iron or steel melt, feed substances which contain metals and/or metal oxides, being charged in solid and, if appropriate, molten form into the metallurgical vessel, the main part of the energy necessary for the melting and, if appropriate, finish-reduction of the feed substances being applied electrically and/or by the combustion and/or gasification of carbon-containing materials. The invention relates, further, to multi-functional lances for use in a method according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Fritz
  • Patent number: 6558615
    Abstract: An annealing basket made of steel, receiving mass-produced aluminium parts (20) for the degreasing and softening thereof, comprising a bottom and side by a frame. At least one side wall (16) is joined to the walls that protrude from said bottom and are defined frame (12) by means of at least one aluminium element (26) that can be plastically deformed when heated to an annealing temperature as a result of the pressure that is exerted on the side walls (16) and occurs in the annealing basket (10) due to thermal expansion of said aluminium parts (20), whereby the side wall (16) moves outwards to a certain degree under the effect of the increase in the volume of said basket in at least one area that is adjacent to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Aluminium Rheinfelden GmbH
    Inventor: Gottfried Jungblut
  • Patent number: 6558616
    Abstract: An electrode for a PTC thermistor of the present invention includes a base layer having electrical conductivity and a sintered layer formed on the base layer. The sintered layer is formed by sintering a conductive powder and has electrical conductivity, and has roughness on a surface thereof. Thus, the present invention can provide an electrode for a PTC thermistor that has a large adhesion to the conductive polymer and can be produced easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Ito, Masakazu Tanahashi, Toshiro Kume, Kouichi Morimoto, Junji Kojima, Emiko Igaki
  • Patent number: 6558617
    Abstract: A copper alloy of high strength and high electroconductivity which is excellent in characteristics such as strength, electroconductivity and bending formability required as copper alloys for use in electric and electronic parts such as lead frames, terminals and connectors, as well as excellent in the characteristics such as softening resistance, shearing formability. Ag plating property and soldering wettability, the copper alloy comprising: Ni: 0.1 to 1.0% (means mass % here and hereinafter), Fe: 0.01 to 0.3%, P: 0.03 to 0.2%, Zn: 0.01 to 1.5%, Si: 0.01% or less; and Mg: 0.001% or less; in which the relation between the P content and the Si content satisfies the relation: P content/Si content≧10, and the relation for the Ni content, the Fe content and the P content can satisfy following relations: 5≦(Ni content+Fe content)/P content≦7 4≦Ni content/Fe content≦9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventor: Yosuke Miwa
  • Patent number: 6558618
    Abstract: A method of dispersing, in water vapor, an anti-infective therapeutic composition (10) into the air in a room (36), in order to treat or prevent transmission of upper respiratory infections, includes: adding to a reservoir of liquid water in a vaporizer (34), a therapeutic composition (10) containing one or more antibiotics (14), alcohol (16), an analgesic (18) and an expectorant (20); and vaporizing the therapeutic composition (10) into the air along with the water in the vaporizer reservoir for inhalation by persons in the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: James L Dent, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6558619
    Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor comprising a quantity of a phosphorylated oxyalkylated polyol at a pH of 5.0 or higher which produces a first level of corrosion loss in an oxygenated corrosive system under given conditions, and an amount of a passivating agent effective to decrease the corrosion loss under said given conditions to a second level which is less than the first level. The passivating agent minimizes the impact of the corrosion inhibitor on the rheology of drilling system fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, David J. Poelker, Rich Lloyd Martin
  • Patent number: 6558620
    Abstract: A method of washing, microbially decontaminating, and rinsing of a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope includes positioning the device in a chamber (12) of an automated processor (A). Spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) within the chamber sequentially spray washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids over the device. Fluid connection ports (150, 152, 154) connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinse solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls leak testing, cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Bill R. Sanford, Jude A. Kral, Joseph Tvergyak, Bernard J. Moss, Robert M. Priest, James C. Hlebovy, Daniel N. Kelsch, Alan J. Greszler, David E. Minerovic, John C. Houston, Nancy A. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6558621
    Abstract: Biomedical devices that are to come into contact with living tissue, such as prosthetic and other implants for the human body and the containers used to store and transport them, are together cleaned of non-living, but biologically active organic materials, including endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides, and assembled into a hermetically sealed package without recontamination. This is achieved by cleaning both the device and package components together in an apparatus, which includes a hermetically sealed chamber, in which they are contacted with atomic oxygen which biocleans them, by oxidizing the biologically active organic materials. The apparatus also includes means for manipulating the device and container and hermetically sealing the cleaned device into the cleaned container to form the package. A calibrated witness coupon visually indicates whether or not the device and container have received enough exposure to the atomic oxygen to have removed the organic materials from their surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Bruce A. Banks, Michael A. Banks, Eric B. Banks
  • Patent number: 6558622
    Abstract: A chamber (10) is supplied with a pressurized cleaning agent of carbon dioxide and cosolvents from a first source (12) and an antimicrobial fluid, such as ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide from a second source (16). Chamber conditions are maintained in the sub-critical range for the carbon dioxide. The cleaning agent and antimicrobial fluid are recirculated through a separator (32) and a condenser (38) to filter contaminants from the mixture before returning the carbon dioxide, and optionally the antimicrobial fluid and other additives, to the chamber. Medical instruments or other articles within the chamber are cleaned by the cleaning agent and sterilized by the antimicrobial fluid in a single cycle, rendering them ready for reuse in a short period of time. The instruments may be cleaned and stored in hermetically sealable containers (82). The cleaning agent is rapidly evaporated from surfaces of the articles at the end of the cycle by reducing the pressure in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventor: Paul S. Malchesky
  • Patent number: 6558623
    Abstract: A microarrayer for spotting solution onto slides in an automated microarray dispensing device. Elements of the present invention include: at least one dispense head for spotting the slides, at least one light source capable of illuminating the slides, at least one camera operating in conjunction with the at least one light source. The at least one camera is capable of acquiring and transmitting slide image data to a computer. The computer is programmed to receive the slide image data and analyze it. The computer will then generate post analysis data based on the analysis of the slide image data. The post analysis data is available for improving the spotting of the solution onto the slides. In a preferred embodiment, the slide image data includes information relating to slide alignment, information relating to spot quality, and slide identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: RoboDesign International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Ganz, Mandel W. Mickley, John Andrew Moulds, Christopher T. Brovold
  • Patent number: 6558624
    Abstract: Rapid, sensitive detection of analytes in small-scale samples is achieved with an analytical method in which samples are adsorbed on a sorbent material and probed spectroscopically. The method is suitable for monitoring the progress of reactions in combinatorial screening experiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Patrick Lemmon, Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo
  • Patent number: 6558625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a distribution device intended for a gaseous effluent produced by a chemical reaction, comprising at least two inlet ways and two outlet ways. This device comprises at least one closed-loop line divided into four sections by four controlled sealing elements, and each one of said four ways communicates with a single section so that the inlet ways are connected to two opposite sections and said outlet ways are connected to the other two sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Deves, Jean-Yves Bernhard, Bernard Chatelain, Pierre Toutant, José Brandely, Corinne Guitton
  • Patent number: 6558626
    Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from energetic compounds includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume there between. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier gas sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the energetic compound delivered by the carrier gas as the carrier gas passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a light detector, and a convertor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Nomadics, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Aker, Colin J. Cumming, Mark E. Fisher, Michael J. Fox, Marcus J. laGrone, Dennis K. Reust, Mark G. Rockley, Eric S. Towers
  • Patent number: 6558627
    Abstract: A temperature control apparatus in the form of a plate is provided for pipetting robots, the plate having a spiral tube for a temperature control medium and which apparatus is divided into at least two segments for holding microtitration plates. A pipetting robot which utilizes a maximum amount of its working space, increasing the efficiency of pipetting liquids for analysis, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Aventis Pharma Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Hartz
  • Patent number: 6558628
    Abstract: A vial pack cover, a vial pack kit, and a method for forming the vial pack cover is provided. The vial pack cover can simultaneously cover a plurality of containers while preventing the contents of the containers from degrading or permeating through the cover. In addition, the vial pack cover allows a user to access individual containers without having to remove the cover from the un-accessed containers. The vial pack cover generally includes: (1) a plurality of plug portions joined together and formed from a heat curable rubber; and (2) a barrier layer covering each of the plug portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Silicone Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned J. Reo
  • Patent number: 6558629
    Abstract: A receptacle and dipping assembly aid in the preparation of a tissue sample for frozen histologic sectioning. A receptacle receives a tissue sample and O.C.T. compound. A chuck in inserted into the receptacle. A dipping assembly receives the receptacle and holds the chuck in proper orientation while the receptacle is cooled and the O.C.T. and tissue are frozen. The chuck, with the frozen block of O.C.T. and tissue attached thereto, is removed from the receptacle and placed in a microtome for slicing of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Bradley Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence Mark Davidson
  • Patent number: 6558630
    Abstract: A device and method of continuous introduction of liquid solution samples into a system from a chamber containing the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Hans Degn, Henrik Ørsnes, Thomas Graf
  • Patent number: 6558631
    Abstract: A multi-well plate comprising a plurality of discrete tubes held together in an array by a plate portion, characterised in that one or more section lines are provided in the plate portion in pre-determined regions, said section lines being adapted to facilitate dividing up the multi-well plate into sub-units of a pre-determined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Biotechnologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Francis Day
  • Patent number: 6558632
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing temperature control and agitation to a plurality of reaction vessels comprises a plurality of elastic receptacles on a block, each receptacle supporting a reaction vessel below its neck, and, a plurality of elastic couplings, each coupling retaining a reaction vessel at its neck section. A flow channel is provided within the block to transfer a liquid temperature control medium to the reaction vessels. The flow channel is routed to each receptacle individually, thereby supplying the medium directly to the corresponding reaction vessel. A shaking arrangement is provided to agitate the reaction vessels by moving the receptacles horizontally relative to the couplings. The greatest deflection of each reaction vessel occurs at its base, while the neck sections are subjected to slight movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Chemspeed Ltd.
    Inventors: Rolf Güller, Séraphin Munch, Philippe Jablonski, Hansjörg Tschirky
  • Patent number: 6558633
    Abstract: Chemical reaction apparatus, materials and methods are provided for the automatable, efficient synthesis of chemical species and libraries. In accordance with preferred embodiments, chemical droplet generation and direction techniques are employed to prepare oligomers and libraries of chemical species. Reaction assemblies adapted for efficient synthetic employment and for improved collection are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Oscar Acevedo, Normand Hebert, Peter W. Davis, Jacqueline R. Wyatt, John S. Kiely
  • Patent number: 6558634
    Abstract: The present invention includes Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, reactions using Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, methods of making Fischer-Tropsch catalysts, processes of hydrogenating carbon monoxide, and fuels made using these processes. The invention provides the ability to hydrogenate carbon monoxide with low contact times, good conversion rates and low methane selectivities. In a preferred method, the catalyst is made using a metal foam support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Yong Wang, David P. Vanderwiel, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Yufei Gao, Eddie G. Baker
  • Patent number: 6558635
    Abstract: A microwave reactor for decomposing waste green house gases resulting from the manufacture of semiconductors and from other industrial processes. The microwave reactor includes a plasma chamber having a gas inflow port spaced apart from a gas outflow port for transporting gases through the plasma chamber. A gas plasma is generated in the plasma chamber to facilitate the gas decomposition. The structure of the microwave reactor includes an insulating cover protruding into the plasma chamber and forming an internal cavity that is isolated from gases in the plasma chamber. A microwave antenna extends into the internal cavity of the plasma chamber to couple the microwave energy into plasma chamber for causing a plasma to form in the gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce Minaee, Kambiz Farnaam, Rafik Grant Ayvazyan
  • Patent number: 6558636
    Abstract: The present plasma type exhaust gas cleaning apparatus comprises a dielectric (5) arranged between a discharge electrode (7) and a ground electrode (8). The dielectric has a plurality of independent cavities (6) formed therein. The exhaust gas from combustion equipment (1) flows through the interiors of the plurality of independent cavities (6). Thus, in the plasma type exhaust gas cleaning apparatus, the discharge electrode (7) and the ground electrode (8) are securely partitioned by the cavities (6). When a voltage from a high voltage generator (9) is applied to between the discharge electrode (7) and the ground electrode (8), plasma resulting from corona discharges occurs in each individual cavity (6) without arising directly across the discharge electrode (7) and the ground electrode (8). The exhaust gas is thereby cleaned up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuki Tamura, Kojiro Okada, Kazuo Koga, Osamu Nakayama, Keisuke Kawamura, Kiyoshi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6558637
    Abstract: An exhaust emission purifier includes a catalyst unit disposed in an exhaust pipe of an engine. Electrodes (reaction adjustment unit) are provided on a honeycomb carrier of the catalyst unit in a layered form in order to apply an electric field to the vicinity of the catalyst surface to thereby adjust the catalytic reaction. An ECU serves as a status detection unit to detect factors which affect the exhaust gas purifying performance of the catalyst unit (i.e., operating conditions), and serves as a control unit which controls the electric field applied by the electrodes, on the basis of the detected operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuki Tamura, Kazuo Koga, Kojiro Okada, Osamu Nakayama, Keisuke Kawamura, Kiyoshi Kawamura, Norihiro Hukuda
  • Patent number: 6558638
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus suitable for use in the treatment of liquid 31, comprising a high voltage electric discharge device 8 with spaced apart first second electrodes 24,25. The discharge device has electrical power supply control means 13 for applying a series of high voltage pulses across said first and second electrodes 24,25 50 as to produce an extended area electrical discharge in an electric discharge zone 37 extending between said first and second electrodes. The apparatus also has a gas delivery means 14-18,29 for feeding a series of bubbles 36 of gas into the liquid in said electric discharge zone. The present invention also provides methods of producing an electrical discharge in a liquid and of decontaminating water and other liquids using the apparatus of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Splits Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Yuri Vladimirovich Zadiraka, Eduard Mikhailovich Barkhudarov, Igor Antonovich Kossyi, Merab Ivanovich Taktakishvili
  • Patent number: 6558639
    Abstract: A purifier for purifying a fluid by eliminating contaminants from the fluid. The purifier includes a fluid passage, through which the fluid flows, formed by an ultraviolet ray transmitting material. A plurality of photocatalytic pipes are arranged in the fluid passage. Each of the photocatalytic pipes has an inner surface and an outer surface on which a thin film of a photocatalyst is applied. The photocatalytic thin film is excited by ultraviolet rays irradiated from a source located near the fluid passage. This oxides and decomposes the contaminants and purifies the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Watanabe, Akira Nagata, Kazushi Nakashima, Takaaki Katagiri
  • Patent number: 6558640
    Abstract: A sanitizer which utilizes hot air to destroy bacteria upon household products such as nursery, bathroom and kitchen items. The sanitizer includes a base, heating element, fan, and a sanitizing chamber with spacers which allow optimal placement of the products being sanitized. The sanitizer includes a vented cover which allows operation within a set temperature range and fast cool down when the sanitizing process is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Novalabs, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Nottingham, Christopher Riker, John W. Spirk, Marc L. Vitantonio
  • Patent number: 6558641
    Abstract: Shaped absorbent units suitable for use as chloride absorbents comprising a calcined intimate mixture of an alkali or alkaline earth, zinc and aluminium components having an alkali or alkaline earth mental to zinc atomic ratio in the range 0.5x to 2.5x and an alkali or alkaline earth metal to aluminium atomic ratio in the range 0.5x to 1.5x, where x is the valency of the alkali or alkaline earth metal, and containing from 5 to 20% by weight of a binder. Preferred compositions are made from sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, basic zinc carbonate or zinc oxide and alumina or hydrated alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries Plc
    Inventors: Stephen Bailey, Brian P Williams, Sebastien Grizard, Robert Wilson, Mark S Doran
  • Patent number: 6558642
    Abstract: A method and adsorption powder useful for the removal of mercury and other metals, as well as furans, dioxins and other organic compounds from high temperature and high moisture gaseous streams. The method utilizes an adsorption powder characterized as containing a carbon-based powder and an effective amount of cupric chloride suitable to remove metals and organic compounds. The powder may contain calcium hydroxide, sulfur, potassium permanganate, potassium iodide, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Youssef El-Shoubary, Rudy Maes
  • Patent number: 6558643
    Abstract: Methods for direct reduction of ammonia from waste streams by the steps of reacting an aqueous ammonia containing waste stream with a solution of a strong acid and a metal salt, wherein the cation in said metal salt of said solution is selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pd, Zn; and wherein an ammonium-double salt is formed with said metal salt in an ammonia depleted waste stream; and treating said depleted waste stream to crystallize an ammonium-metal double salt therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Scott J. Blonigen, Alexander G. Fassbender, Robert D. Litt, Bruce F. Monzyk, Richelle Neff
  • Patent number: 6558644
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of active carbon from urban waste. The waste is first stored to remove foreign materials and the size of the waste particles is reduced. The waste is dried under anaerobic conditions at a temperature range of 100° C.-150° C. and partially pyrolysed at a temperature of about 140° C.-400° C. The obtained product is granulated and the granules are carbonized under anaerobic conditions at a temperature of about 120° C.-500° C. The carbonized granules are activated in the presence of steam and combustion gases at 750° C.-900° C. Finally, the activated granules are purified by rinsing in an aqueous HCl solution, and subsequently drying the activated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Maavar K.B. Recycling and Production of Carbon Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaakov Berman
  • Patent number: 6558645
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanocoils which are grown by winding carbon atoms in a helical configuration and which have an external diameter of 1000 nm or less, the method comprising the steps of: placing an indium-tin-iron type catalyst inside a reactor, heating an area around the catalyst to a temperature equal to or greater than temperature at which hydrocarbon used as a raw material is broken down by an action of the catalyst, causing hydrocarbon gas to flow through the reactor so that the gas contacts the catalyst, and allowing carbon nanocoils to grow on a surface of the catalyst while the hydrocarbon is broken down in the vicinity of the catalyst. The indium-tin-iron type catalyst may be obtained by: a mixed catalyst of indium oxide and tin oxide, and a thin film of iron which is formed on a surface of this mixed catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignees: Daiken Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nakayama, Mei Zhang, Akio Harada
  • Patent number: 6558646
    Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the lifetime of Stretford solution by reducing or eliminating the generation of undesirable thiosulfate salts. The method has three major aspects. First, thiocyanate is added to the Stretford solution. Second, the concentration of sodium sulfate in the solution is maintained at a level below about 100 g/l. Third, the solution should contain little or no thiosulfate at the start of operations. It has been found that little or no thiosulfate is generated when the Stretford unit is operated under these conditions. The concentration of sodium sulfate in the solution is maintained at a level below about 100 g/l by removing sodium sulfate from the solution by cooling a slipstream of the solution to precipitate the sodium sulfate as Glauber's salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Tosco Corporation
    Inventors: Marlea Harmon, Ronald C. Brinkman
  • Patent number: 6558647
    Abstract: The invention relates to an acidic silicoaluminate solid that has a microporous zeolitic phase that is characterized by at least one infrared band between 400-1600 cm−1, an organized mesoporosity that is characterized by the presence of at least one X-diffraction line between 20-100 Å, a silica/alumina molar ratio of between 5-250 and an acidity that is measured by infrared analysis via an area of the band at about 1545 cm−1 at least equal to 50 g of dry solid. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the solid, a substrate that consists of solid and at least one matrix, and a catalyst that comprises said solid. The catalyst can be used for the conversion of hydrocarbons and in particular hydrocracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Sylvie Lacombe, David Marseault, Philippe Caullet, Henri Kessler, Eric Benazzi, Alexandre Jouve
  • Patent number: 6558648
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating cancer wherein more than one therapeutic agent is used, with each of the therapeutic agents having different tumor-killing capabilities, and wherein the therapeutic agents are delivered to the tumor sites using combined targeting and pre-targeting methods. The methods of the present invention achieve good tumor to non-tumor ratios of the therapeutic agents, and are effective for cancer therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Immunomedics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Griffiths, Hans J. Hansen, David M. Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 6558649
    Abstract: The present invention describes novel compounds of the formula: (Q)d—Ln—Ch, useful for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, methods of imaging tumors in a patient, and methods of treating cancer in a patient. The present invention also provides novel compounds useful for monitoring therapeutic angiogenesis treatment and destruction of new angiogenic vasculature. The present invention further provides novel compounds useful for imaging atherosclerosis, restenosis, cardiac ischemia and myocardial reperfusion injury. The present invention still further provides novel compounds useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The pharmaceuticals are comprised of a targeting moiety that binds to a receptor that is upregulated during angiogenesis, an optional linking group, and a therapeutically effective radioisotope or diagnostically effective imageable moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company
    Inventors: Edward H. Cheesman, Michael Sworin, Milind Rajopadhye
  • Patent number: 6558650
    Abstract: A method for improving cellular gallium uptake (particularly of tumor cells) by exposing cells to a nifedipine photodegradation product, or an analog thereof. In particular embodiments, the gallium uptake enhancer is selected from the group of A-B and formula (I), wherein A is a pyridine and B is a nitrosophenyl, and n=1-10. In yet other embodiments, the uptake enhancer is formula (II), wherein R1-9 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, halogen, haloalkyl, NO2, NO, SO2, a C1-6 alkyl, a COOR10 wherein R10 is H or C1-6 alkyl, and an —OR11 wherein R11 is H or C1-6 alkyl; wherein at least one of R5 and R7 is NO. The uptake enhancers are particularly useful in imaging tumors, using such techniques as gallium scanning, in which the dose of the gallium isotope can be decreased or its imaging efficiency improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Oregon Health and Science University
    Inventors: Kathryn A. Morton, Jean-Baptiste Roullet
  • Patent number: 6558651
    Abstract: This invention relates to aerosol formulations of use for the administration of medicaments by inhalation. More particularly, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation which comprises particulate salbutamol sulphate having a crystalline form in which the outer layer of the crystals is substantially non-amorphous; and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. A method of treating respiratory disorders which comprises administration by inhalation of an effective amount of a pharmaceutical aerosol formulation as defined is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Riebe, Sarvajna Kumar Dwivedi, Li Li-Bovet